Geneva Education Association President Carol Young said the contract proposal was approved by more than the two-third majority needed by the union’s bylaws.

“We are thankful to our supporters in the community and are happy to be in our classrooms serving the students of Geneva,” Young said in a news release.

The news also was welcomed by school board President Mark Grosso.

“I’m very pleased,” Grosso said.

Teachers and school officials have battled since February over terms of the new contract, to the point where teachers declared they would strike. After three marathon negotiating sessions, the two sides had come to a tentative agreement Monday.

Teachers had to ratify the agreement first before school officials will vote on it. The school board is scheduled to meet Nov. 26, but a special meeting could be set to take action.

At issue during the contract talks was the district’s insistence that teachers accept a salary freeze the first year. Officials said other district employees had taken freezes and said teachers should, as well. Teachers had resisted, but they eventually accepted a freeze for the first year.

Details of the contract will be made public once the school board votes to approve it.